Major search launched on Somerset coast for missing swimmer
A major search of the Somerset coast was sparked after a swimmer was seen to enter the sea in darkness. A member of the public alerted emergency[1] services on Sunday (August 6) after becoming concerned about a man entering the water at Clevedon Slipway at around 9.30pm.
The man, dressed in swimming gear, was seen to go into the water but was not seen returning to shore. Clevedon Coastguard[2] Rescue Team quickly swang into action alongside Portishead Coastguard and Portishead RNLI.
The coastguard helicopter was also drafted in to help with the search. A three-hour search of the coastline[3] was carried out between Clevedon and Portishead.
The swimmer was not located and the search was stood down in the early hours. Clevedon Coastguard[5] station officer James Buck said: “The coastguard was tasked on Sunday evening to reports of a swimmer who had not returned after entering the sea from the slipway at Clevedon.
“A member of the public alerted the coastguard[6] as they were concerned for his safety. There was quite a swell in the sea conditions and it was choppy due to the wind.
“A thorough search of the coast between Clevedon[7] and Portishead was launched. Despite the extensive search the man was not located.”
Anyone who spots someone in trouble along the coast should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
References
- ^ emergency (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Coastguard (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ coastline (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Cost of unwanted seafront scheme doubles – to over £1 million (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Coastguard (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ coastguard (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Clevedon (www.somersetlive.co.uk)